Does Smucker's Uncrustables have high-fructose corn syrup?

According to the official Smucker's Uncrustables FAQ page, the company reformulated its product line in 2017 to remove high-fructose corn syrup. So, no, modern Uncrustables do not have high-fructose corn syrup, a change made to meet evolving consumer preferences.

Quick Summary

Since 2017, Smucker's Uncrustables have not contained high-fructose corn syrup, with the company replacing it with sugar in response to consumer demand. The reformulation maintained the same great taste while removing this controversial ingredient.

Key Points

• No HFCS Since 2017: Smucker's removed high-fructose corn syrup from all Uncrustables products in 2017 in response to consumer demand.

• Replaced by Sugar: The company substituted regular sugar for high-fructose corn syrup while maintaining the product's taste.

• Check Packaging: The product labels on modern Uncrustables boxes will state "No High Fructose Corn Syrup".

• Ingredient Reformulation: This change was part of a larger trend in the food industry toward simpler, more transparent ingredient lists.

• Non-GMO Certified: The reformulation also led to some Uncrustables varieties receiving non-GMO certification.

• Taste Unchanged: Smucker's ensured the beloved taste of the sandwiches was preserved during the ingredient change.

Uncrustables Ingredients: A History of Change

The ingredient list for Smucker's Uncrustables has seen a significant change over time. Many consumers recall a period when high-fructose corn syrup was a key component, but that is no longer the case. The reformulations reflect a broader shift in the food industry toward using more consumer-friendly ingredients and away from those perceived as less healthy.

In 2017, in a move widely covered by news outlets, the J.M. Smucker Co. announced it was officially removing high-fructose corn syrup from its entire Uncrustables line. This was a direct response to consumer feedback and a trend toward cleaner ingredient labels. The company assured its customers that the product's taste would not be affected by the change, which was achieved by substituting sugar for the high-fructose corn syrup. This reformulation also aligned with certifications such as Non-GMO True North, further appealing to health-conscious consumers.

Comparing Old vs. New Uncrustables

Feature	Before 2017 (HFCS)	After 2017 (No HFCS)
Sweetener for jelly	High-Fructose Corn Syrup & Corn Syrup	Sugar, Grape Juice
Sweetener for bread	High-Fructose Corn Syrup	Sugar
Jelly Ingredients	Grape Juice, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Corn Syrup	Sugar, Grape Juice, Pectin, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate
Non-GMO Certification	No	Yes
Primary Driver of Change	Cost-effective formulation	Consumer preference and demand

The Shift Away from High-Fructose Corn Syrup

The decision to remove high-fructose corn syrup from Uncrustables is part of a larger, industry-wide trend driven by consumer concerns. High-fructose corn syrup is a sweetener made from corn starch that has become a point of contention in nutrition circles. While the FDA considers it safe, its association with highly processed foods has led many consumers to prefer products made with other sweeteners, such as sugar.

This shift has had a ripple effect, encouraging other food brands to re-examine their own ingredient lists. The movement gained momentum due to growing public awareness about nutrition and health, as well as the perception that high-fructose corn syrup might contribute to health issues like obesity and type 2 diabetes. By listening to their customers, brands like Smucker's were able to adapt and maintain their market position while also addressing these widespread health and ingredient concerns.

Benefits of the Reformulation

• Improved Public Image: By removing a controversial ingredient, Smucker's boosted its reputation among health-conscious consumers and parents.
• Aligning with Certifications: The reformulation allowed the product to achieve non-GMO certification, a valuable marketing tool.
• Satisfying Consumer Demand: The change directly addressed the wishes of a large segment of the consumer base, reinforcing brand loyalty.
• Maintaining Taste Profile: Crucially, the company was able to make this change without sacrificing the product's iconic taste.

Conclusion

In summary, if you're holding a box of Smucker's Uncrustables from today's market, you can be assured it does not contain high-fructose corn syrup. The company made this significant change in 2017, replacing the ingredient with sugar to align with consumer preferences and health trends. While older versions of the product did contain the sweetener, the modern recipe has been updated to provide a taste that consumers know and love, but without the controversial corn-based syrup. This decision highlights how consumer feedback can drive meaningful changes in the food industry, leading to products that better meet modern expectations for ingredients and nutrition. For the most up-to-date and specific ingredient details, always check the label on the individual package you purchase, as product ingredients can sometimes vary by flavor or location.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question: Do all flavors of Uncrustables contain high-fructose corn syrup? Answer: No, all current varieties of Smucker's Uncrustables, including the popular Peanut Butter & Grape and Peanut Butter & Strawberry flavors, are made without high-fructose corn syrup.

Question: When did Smucker's remove high-fructose corn syrup from Uncrustables? Answer: Smucker's officially removed high-fructose corn syrup from the Uncrustables recipe in 2017, following extensive consumer feedback.

Question: What did Smucker's use to sweeten Uncrustables after removing HFCS? Answer: After removing high-fructose corn syrup, Smucker's replaced it with regular sugar to maintain the product's sweet taste.

Question: How can I be sure my Uncrustables don't have high-fructose corn syrup? Answer: To confirm the ingredients, check the Nutrition Facts label on the packaging. The ingredient list for modern products explicitly states "No High Fructose Corn Syrup".

Question: What is the difference between high-fructose corn syrup and regular sugar? Answer: High-fructose corn syrup is a liquid sweetener made from corn, while regular sugar (sucrose) is typically derived from sugar cane or beets. While chemically similar, they have different molecular structures and are processed differently by the body.

Question: Why was high-fructose corn syrup removed from many foods? Answer: High-fructose corn syrup was removed from many food products, including Uncrustables, due to growing consumer demand for ingredients perceived as more natural. The sweetener gained a negative reputation for its association with heavily processed foods.

Question: Did the taste of Uncrustables change after the reformulation? Answer: Smucker's maintains that the reformulation was done carefully to ensure the delicious taste consumers love was preserved, despite the switch from high-fructose corn syrup to sugar.

Question: Where can I find information about the ingredients in Uncrustables? Answer: The most accurate and up-to-date information is on the packaging itself, or on the official Uncrustables website in their FAQ and Nutrition Info sections.

Key Takeaways

• No Longer an Ingredient: Smucker's removed high-fructose corn syrup from its Uncrustables sandwiches in 2017.
• Reformulation was Consumer-Driven: The change was a direct response to consumer feedback and shifting preferences toward simpler ingredients.
• Replaced with Sugar: Regular sugar is now used as the primary sweetener in the jelly and bread.
• Taste Remained Consistent: The company worked to maintain the product's original taste despite the ingredient change.
• Certified Non-GMO: The reformulation also helped Uncrustables achieve non-GMO certification for some product lines.
• Check Labels for Confirmation: To verify ingredients, always check the nutrition facts label on the product packaging.

Citations

1.2.2. Frequently Asked Questions - Uncrustables®. https://www.smuckersuncrustables.com/frequently-asked-questions 1.2.5. J.M. Smuckers removes high-fructose corn syrup from Uncrustables ... https://bizwest.com/2017/06/09/j-m-smuckers-removes-high-fructose-corn-syrup-uncrustables-line/ 1.3.6. Smucker's Uncrustables Peanut Butter and Grape Jelly 4CT. https://www.gardengrocer.com/product/1333-smuckers-uncrustables-peanut-butter-and-grape-jelly-4ct 1.3.8. Smucker's Uncrustables Frozen Peanut Butter & Grape Jelly ... https://us.amazon.com/Smuckers-Uncrustables-Peanut-Butter-Sandwiches/dp/B01FW21TLO 1.5.1. Smucker's, Uncrustables - Peanut Butter & Strawberry Jam ... https://shop.staterbros.com/shop/product/smuckers-uncrustables-peanut-butter-strawberry-jam-sandwiches/2613500 1.5.2. Uncrustables ® Nutrition Facts. https://www.smuckersuncrustables.com/articles/nutrition-facts 1.7.4. What Is High Fructose Corn Syrup? And Why It's Bad for You. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-high-fructose-corn-syrup

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Uncrustables always contain high-fructose corn syrup?

No, while earlier versions of Uncrustables did contain high-fructose corn syrup, the ingredient was removed from the recipe in 2017 to align with consumer preferences for simpler ingredients.

What is the primary sweetener in Uncrustables now?

The primary sweetener used in modern Uncrustables is regular sugar, which replaced high-fructose corn syrup during the 2017 product reformulation.

Does the type of jelly in Uncrustables affect whether it has HFCS?

No, all current Uncrustables varieties, regardless of the jelly flavor (e.g., grape or strawberry), are made without high-fructose corn syrup.

Can I trust that my Uncrustables are high-fructose corn syrup-free?

Yes, you can be confident that new Uncrustables are high-fructose corn syrup-free. The ingredient is explicitly absent from the current ingredient lists and is often highlighted on the packaging.

How did Smucker's ensure the taste didn't change with the new recipe?

Smucker's carefully formulated the new recipe using sugar to replace high-fructose corn syrup, focusing on maintaining the product's original, familiar taste profile.

Why did Smucker's decide to remove HFCS?

The decision to remove high-fructose corn syrup was based on consumer feedback and preferences. Many consumers were seeking products with simpler, more recognizable ingredients.

Is high-fructose corn syrup the same as corn syrup?

No, they are different. High-fructose corn syrup is a processed sweetener with a higher concentration of fructose, while regular corn syrup is primarily glucose and is less processed.